Parajumble

Verbal Test Questions and Answers

Introduction
1. What are Parajumbles?
2. Establish Link Between Two Sentences and Then Examine The Options
3. Transition Words
3.1 Transition Words: Example from CAT
4. Personal Pronouns
4.1 Personal Pronouns: Example from CAT: 1
4.2 Personal Pronouns: Example from CAT: 2
5. Demonstrative Pronouns
5.1 Demonstrative Pronouns: Example from CAT
6. Combining it all with Logic
6.1 Example from CAT
7. Acronym Approach
8. Time Sequence Approach (TSA)
9. Hypothesis or Theory Approach
10. Articles Approach
11. Noun, Pronoun and Adjective (NPA) Approach
12. Opening - Closing Sentence (OCS) Approach
13. Key Words Approach - KWA
14. Structure Approach - SA
15. Indicating Words Approach - IWA
16. Signal/Indicating Word List
16.1 Cause and Effect Signals
16.2 Support Signal Words
16.3 Contrast Signals (Explicit)
16.4 Contrast Signals (Implicit)
17. Time Sequence Indicating Words
18. All the Rules in Brief
1. What are Parajumbles?
Parajumbles are jumbled paragraphs. Basically, you are given a paragraph - but the sentences are not in the right ord

Given below would be 4 or 5 perplexing sentences which he would need to sort and arrange like a jigsaw puzzle. Sou

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2. Establish Link Between Two Sentences and Then Examine The Options
Suppose you establish the link 'BA'. The given options are:
(a) DABC (b) ACDB (c) CBAD (d) DBAC.

Now you are left with option (c) and (d) to examine. You read the sentences in the order given by these two options

Is establishing links between two sentences easy?

Not ALWAYS!!! However, easy or not, you can certainly establish links between two or more sentences with the help

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3. Transition Words
Transition words make the shift from one idea to another very smooth. They organize and connect the sentences log

also, again, as well as, besides, furthermore, in addition, likewise, moreover, similarly, consequently, hence, otherwis

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3.1. Transition Words: Example from CAT

So how does knowledge of transition words helps us in parajumbles? Try out this CAT question:

(CAT 2001):

A. But in the industrial era destroying the enemy's productive capacity means bombing the factories which are locat

B. So in the agrarian era, if you need to destroy the enemy's productive capacity, what you want to do is bum his fiel

C. Now in the information era, destroying the enemy's productive capacity means destroying the information infrast

D. How do you do battle with your enemy?

E. The idea is to destroy the enemy's productive capacity, and depending upon the economic foundation, that produ

1. FDEBAC 2. FCABED 3. DEBACF 4. DFEBAC

Solution:

Look at the transition word "but" in the first sentence. It signifies that the sentence is expressing an idea contrary to

Looking further, we see that sentence B and C are also starting with statement about eras. But the transition word at

Likewise, sentence C is the correct sentence to come after the first sentence (sentence C is continuing the idea). The
We see that option 1, 3 and 4 all have the link BAC. Furthermore, all the three options have the link EBAC. Therefore

Hence FDEBAC is the correct arrangement.

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4. Personal Pronouns
Personal pronouns are he, she, it, him, her, they, you, your etc. Remember that personal pronouns always refer to a p

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4.1. Personal Pronouns: Example from CAT: 1

(CAT 2001):

A. Although there are large regional variations, it is not infrequent to find a large number of people sitting here and t

B. Once in office, they receive friends and relatives who feel free to call any time without prior appointment.

C. While working, one is struck by the slow and clumsy actions and reactions, indifferent attitudes, procedure rather

D. Even those who are employed often come late to the office and leave early unless they are forced to be punctual.

E. Work is not intrinsically valued in India.

F. Quite often people visit ailing friends and relatives or go out of their way to help them in their personal matters ev

1. ECADBF 2. EADCFB 3. EADBFC 4. ABFCBE

Solution:

Look at the personal pronoun "they" in sentence B: Once in office, they receive friends and relatives who feel free to

Link AB- Although there are large regional variations, it is not infrequent to find a large number of people sitting here

Link DB- Even those who are employed often come late to the office and leave early unless they are forced to be pun

Link FB- Quite often people visit ailing friends and relatives or go out of their way to help them in their personal matt

Which of these links makes sense? Only link DB seems coherent. Now, we examine the options with link DB. We see

Option 1: Link ECADBF- Work is not intrinsically valued in India. While working, one is struck by the slow and clumsy
Option 3: Link EADBFC- Work is not intrinsically valued in India. Although there are large regional variations, it is not

Both the options seem plausible. We have to determine which one of the links EC and EA is better. Here is the thumb

THE FLOW OF AUTHORS IDEA SHOULD BE COMPLETELY LOGICAL; THE AUTHOR DOES NOT JUMP FROM ONE IDEA TO

In link EC, sentence E is talking about work not being valued whereas sentence C is talking about people being clums

In link EA, sentence E is talking about work not being valued and sentence A is talking about people sitting idle. This

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4.2. Personal Pronouns: Example from CAT: 2

Here is another CAT question that seems tough but can be solved in a matter of seconds. See if you can do it:

(CAT 2001):

A. Passivity is not, of course, universal.

B. In areas where there are no lords or laws, or in frontier zones where all men go armed, the attitude of the peasan

C. So indeed it may be on the fringe of the un-submissive.

D. However, for most of the soil-bound peasants the problem is not whether to be normally passive or active, but wh

E. This depends on an assessment of the political situation.

1. EDAC 2. CDABE 3. EDBAC 4. ABCDE

Solution:

It cannot get easier than this. Look at the personal pronoun "it" in sentence C: So indeed it may be on the fringe of t

The link BC is only present in option 4 and we need not look any further.

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5. Demonstrative Pronouns
The demonstrative pronouns are "this," "that," "these," and "those." "This" and "that" are used to refer to singular n

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5.1. Demonstrative Pronouns: Example from CAT
(CAT 2001):

A. Michael Hofman, a poet and translator, accepts this sorry fact without approval or complaint.

B. But thanklessness and impossibility do not daunt him.

C. He acknowledges too "in fact he returns to the point often " that best translators of poetry always fail at some leve

D. Hofman feels passionately about his work, and this is clear from his writings.

E. In terms of the gap between worth and rewards, translators come somewhere near nurses and street-cleaners.

1. EACDB 2. ADEBC 3. EACBD 4. DCEAB

Solution:

Again an easy one. Notice the demonstrative pronoun "this" in sentence A: Michael Hofman, a poet and translator, a

Therefore, EA is a link. Link EA is contained in option 1, 3 and 4. But in 4, sentence D is coming before sentence A, an

Option 1: Link DB- Hofman feels passionately about his work, and this is clear from his writings. But thanklessness an

Does this sound like a plausible flow? Certainly NOT. Therefore, link DB is incorrect and the correct answer is option

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6. Combining it all with Logic

Sometimes using logic to decide the order of sentences can yield high dividends. In the previous example, we had us

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6.1. Example from CAT

(CAT 2001):

A. The situations in which violence occurs and the nature of that violence tends to be clearly defined at least in theo

B. So the actual risk to outsiders, though no doubt higher than our societies, is calculable.

C. Probably the only uncontrolled applications of force are those of social superiors to social inferiors and even here
D. However binding the obligation to kill, members of feuding families engaged in mutual massacre will be genuinely

1. DABC 2. ACDB 3. CBAD 4. DBAC

Solution:

The clue to this question came to me from the word "calculable" in sentence B: So the actual risk to outsiders, thoug

Notice that I have been going to the option again and again to eliminate one or two options. Form this habit sedulou

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7. Acronym Approach
Full form vs. short form:

In PJ we encounter full and short names sometimes acronyms of some term or institution.

Ex-World Trade Organization - WTO

Dr. Manmohan Singh - Dr. Singh

Karl Marx - Marx

President George W. Bush - President bush or the president

The rule is that if both full form as well as short form is present in different sentences, then the sentence containing

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Example:

1. If you are used to having your stimulation come in from outside, your mind never develops its own habits of think

2. Marx thought that religion was the opiate, because it soothed people's pain and suffering and prevented them fro

3. If Karl Marx was alive today, he would say that television is the opiate of the people.

4. Television and similar entertainments are even more of an opiate because of their addictive tendencies.

A. 2134 B. 1423 C. 2431 D. 3241

Solution:
Sentence 2 has Marx (short Form) and sentence 3 has Karl Marx (Full form). So 3 will come before 2. Now look at the

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8. Time Sequence Approach (TSA)

Either dates or time sequence indicating words: Be aware of the time indication either by giving years - or by using ti

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Example 1:

1. Then two astronomersthe German, Johannes Kepler, and the Italian, Galileo Galilei-started publicly to support t

2. His idea was that the sun was stationary at the centre and that the earth and the planets move in circular orbits ar

3. A simple model was proposed in 1514 by a Polish priest, Nicholas Copernicus.

4. Nearly a century passed before this idea was taken seriously.

A. 3421 B. 3241 C. 2314 D. 3142

Solution:

Answer is 3241

The 3rd sentence talks about the time event and other time vents follow it in a chronological order. So option A is Be

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Example 2:

1. By the time he got to Linjeflug four years later, he had learned many lessons; in fact, he began his second stint as t

2. At SAS, he arrived at a time crisis.

3. This book is chock-a-block full of intrusive stories and practical advice, describing Carton's activities at Vingresor (w

4. He began at Vingresor as an order giver, not a listener - neither to his people nor to his customers and made every

A. 2143 B. 2134 C. 3214 D. 3412

Solution:

4 will come before 1 and 2. Hence 3412.

Alternate: In 3, order is given - Vingressor, Linjeflug, SAS - arrange according to this.

Alternate: 3 will be the opening sentence because only 3 has noun (NAME) for he.

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9. Hypothesis or Theory Approach

If any sentence is working as an example - place it after the sentence for which it is working as an example, not nece

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Example:

1. The potential exchanges between the officials of IBBF and the Maharashtra Body-Building Association has all the t

2. In the case of sports persons, there is room for some sympathy, but the apathy of the administrators, which has ev

3. A case in the point is the hefty penalty of US $10,000 slapped on the Indian Body-Building Federation for not fulfil

4. It is a matter of deep regret and concern that the sports administrators often cause more harm to the image of the

A. CABD B. DBCA C. DABC D. CDBA

Solution:

Here sentence 3 is an example of sentence 4. So it will come after 4. So now only option B and C remain. Now go by

So only option B remains, which is the right option.

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10. Articles Approach

Articles can be divided into two categories -

1. Definite (the) and

2. Indefinite (a and an).

When the author uses 'a / an' - he wants to make a general statement - wants to introduce the noun followed by a/a

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11. Noun, Pronoun and Adjective (NPA) Approach

Err:509

i. e. A sequence can be like this

Noun

Pronoun

Pronoun

Pronoun

or like

Noun Pronoun

.............. no pronoun

Noun

Pronoun

i.e. the pronoun sequence will continue till it is halted by a break (i.e. a sentence containing no pronoun) then if nec

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12. Opening - Closing Sentence (OCS) Approach

Supported or free, general or need previous explanation:

OCS is particularly useful in 4 sentence parajumble (where opening sentence is not given)

Let's see the characteristics of an opening sentence

It will introduce an idea in the first hand.

In most of the cases it will use indefinite article a/an. i.e. if both definite and indefinite articles are used for the same
The sentence can stand alone

It will not have pronouns (exception: if respective noun is not mentioned anywhere). It will not have contrast words/

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13. Key Words Approach - KWA

Some words will be repeated in two consecutive sentences.:

In most of the cases we repeat some important words of one sentence in the sentence that follows.

Hence if you are seeing any important (not like he, she, that, is, are type) then chances are that these two sentences

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14. Structure Approach - SA

Link sentences logically i.e.:

Link the sentences logically i.e. see what is the role played by a specific sentence

Premise

Conclusion

Support

Example

Continuation

and then search for some proper sentence that should come before or the one which will follow.

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15. Indicating Words Approach - IWA

Take care of words that indicate something helpful to decide sequence.:

Some words indicates some specific nature of sentences that will come before or that will follow.

Look for the words like

But
So

Therefore

And

However

think what they are indicating.

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16. Signal/Indicating Word List

Writers use transitions to link their ideas logically. These transitions or signal words are clues that can help you figure

NOTE:

The list given below is not a comprehensive list. You must collect the signal words while reading.

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16.1. Cause and Effect Signals

Look for words or phrases explicitly indicating that one thing causes another or logically determines another.

Accordingly

in order to

because

so...that

consequently

therefore

given

thus

hence
when...then

if...then

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16.2. Support Signal Words

Look for the words or phrases supporting a given sentences. These words containing sentences will not be the openi

Furthermore

Additionally

Also

And

Too

as well

besides

indeed

likewise

moreover

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16.3. Contrast Signals (Explicit)

Precisely and clearly expressed or readily observable; leaving nothing to implication.:

Look for function words or phrases (conjunctions, sentence adverbs, etc.) that explicitly indicate a contrast between

Albeit

Nevertheless

Although
Nonetheless

But

Notwithstanding

Despite

on the contrary

even though

on the other hand

however

rather than

In contrast

Still

In spite of

While

Instead of

yet

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16.4. Contrast Signals (Implicit)

Implied though not directly expressed; inherent in the nature of something:

Look out for words which indicate contrast or turn a situation or something unexpected possibly even unwanted, ha

Anomaly

Anomalous
Anomalously

Illogic

Illogical

Illogically

Incongruity

Incongruous

Incongruously

Irony

Ironic

Ironically

Paradox

Paradoxical

Paradoxically

Surprise

Surprising

Surprisingly

Unexpected

Unexpectedly

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17. Time Sequence Indicating Words

Before

After
Later

When

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18. All the Rules in Brief

The approaches for PARAJUMBLE:

Acronym Approach - full form vs. short form

Time Sequence Approach - TSA - either dates or time sequence indicating words

Examples Approach - EA - after an hypothesis or theory

Articles - definite and indefinite

Noun, Pronoun, and Demonstrative Adjective - NPDA Approach - limited to not just noun

Opening - Closing Sentence Approach - OCSA - supported or free, general or need previous explanation

Key Words Approach - KWA - words repeated in two consecutive sentences

Structure Approach - SA - link sentences logically.

Indicating Words Approach - IWA - take care of words that indicate something helpful to decide the sequence.

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Read more at www.lofoya.com: http://www.lofoya.com/Verbal-Test-Questions-and-Answers/Parajumbles/intro#ixzz

 Easy Moderate Difficult

ey logically make sense. Normally instructions for this type of questions will read "Choose the most logical order of sentences f

aragraphs is a science. It is so much of a science that you can obtain an accuracy of 100% even if you are not a good reader.
you a clue about the sentence that will come before/after that particular sentence. Given below are some commonly used trans

mple, for one thing, above all, aside from, barring, besides, in other words, in short, instead, likewise, on one hand, on the othe

ose of the military is to defend the nation and be prepared to do battle with its enemy.

previous sentence. If we further look at the beginning of the first sentence, it says "but in the industrial era..." which suggests th

chronologically come before any other past era. That is, if information era is the present era, talk about any other era will come
 e is...to battle with the enemy" and D questions "how do you battle with the enemy?" Therefore, D will come after F.

onoun without mentioning the person, place or object it is referring to, the person, place or object must have come in the previ

ome people. The reference to some people only comes in sentences A, D, and F. Therefore, one of the sentences will come befo

atives who feel free to call any time without prior appointment.

all any time without prior appointment.

tives who feel free to call any time without prior appointment.

k ADBF. Therefore, ADBF is a link. Now we only need to place sentences E and C. We can do that by reading the sentences in the

me orientation, and the lack of consideration for others. Although there are large regional variations, it is not infrequent to find
ing nothing. Even those who are employed often come late to the office and leave early unless they are forced to be punctual. O

work. It is talking about people's behavior. Therefore, EC cannot be a logical flow.

ink. Hence, option 3 is correct.

e... un-submissive." What can be un-submissive? It cannot be "political situation" (sentence E), "passivity" (sentence A), or "pro

nouns and noun phrases. Whenever a sentence contains a demonstrative pronoun without mentioning the noun or the noun p
nce A is introducing Michael Hofman (Michael Hofman, a poet and translator,...) and will thereby come before every sentence c

tence referring to Hofman as sentence A is introducing Hofman. Therefore, we are left with options 1 and 3. The difference betw

ence referring Hofman. Keep your eyes open for clues such as these. Here's is the last CAT question that I cracked, using logic; s

nyone join in?"

become "calculable"? Then I noticed sentence A and the phrase "clearly defined in theory..." Something becomes calculable wh
ence. Here are a few time sequence indicating words -Before after later when

quite match the ones observed.

help, a far cry from his barking out commands just 48months back.
eory. It should not be before the idea that it explains.

Federation in 3) 3 will come before 1.

 previously discussed noun. It means having 'the' is very unlikely in the opening sentence. If 'a/an' and 'the' both are used for th

eak. It is not a correct form of writing.

come first (may be opening sentence).

can be consecutive for example 23 or 32 but for exact order you have to look for some other clue or meaning.
ntences often contain several signal words, combining them in complex ways.
most logical order of sentences from among the given choices to construct a coherent paragraph".

you are not a good reader.

 are some commonly used transition words:

ewise, on one hand, on the other hand, rather, similarly, yet, but, however, still, nevertheless, first of all, to begin with, at the sam

dustrial era..." which suggests that the contrariness is with respect to eras.

about any other era will come before this. So sentence B is the correct sentence to come before the first sentence.
e, D will come after F.

ect must have come in the previous sentence. Often, this is a good lead to identify a link.

of the sentences will come before sentence B. Let's see the link AB, DB, and FB;

by reading the sentences in the order given in options 1 and 3.

ons, it is not infrequent to find a large number of people sitting here and there and doing nothing. Even those who are employe
they are forced to be punctual. Once in office, they receive friends and relatives who feel free to call any time without prior app

"passivity" (sentence A), or "problem" (sentence D). Only "attitude" (sentence B) can be un-submissive. Therefore, BC is a link.

ntioning the noun or the noun phrase, it means that the previous sentence must be mentioning that noun or noun phrase. Find
y come before every sentence containing the personal pronoun he or him. So which sorry fact is sentence A referring to? It can

ons 1 and 3. The difference between options 1 and 3 is the order of sentence D and B. Let's examine the link DB:

tion that I cracked, using logic; see if you can do the same:
mething becomes calculable when it is clearly defined in theory. No other sentence could give answers to "calculable". Therefo
n' and 'the' both are used for the same noun then the sentence containing 'the' will come after the sentence containing a/an.
ue or meaning.
st of all, to begin with, at the same time, for now, for the time being, in time, later on, meanwhile, next, then, soon, the meantim

e the first sentence.

ng. Even those who are employed often come late to the office and leave early unless they are forced to be punctual. Once in o
o call any time without prior appointment. Quite often people visit ailing friends and relatives or go out of their way to help them

missive. Therefore, BC is a link.

that noun or noun phrase. Finding that noun or noun phrase helps us connect two sentences.
s sentence A referring to? It can only be the fact found in sentence E. Also, other sentences contain "he" or "him".

mine the link DB:

nswers to "calculable". Therefore, the link AB was clearly marked. The link AB was present in option 1 only. Easy, no?
the sentence containing a/an.
le, next, then, soon, the meantime, later, while, earlier, simultaneously, afterward, in conclusion, with this in mind, after all, all i
orced to be punctual. Once in office, they receive friends and relatives who feel free to call any time without prior appointment
go out of their way to help them in their personal matters even during office hours. While working, one is struck by the slow an
ain "he" or "him".
ption 1 only. Easy, no?
, with this in mind, after all, all in all to sum-up.
time without prior appointment. Quite often people visit ailing friends and relatives or go out of their way to help them in their
ing, one is struck by the slow and clumsy actions and reactions, indifferent attitudes, procedure rather than outcome orientatio
f their way to help them in their personal matters even during office hours.
rather than outcome orientation, and the lack of consideration for others.